Le'Veon Bell Rumors: Jets Won't 'Break the Bank' to Sign Star in Free Agency

The New York Jets are expected to be among the players for running back Le'Veon Bell's services in free agency, but they reportedly aren't willing to overpay.

According to Manish Mehta of the New York Daily News, the Jets will not "break the bank" in order to sign Bell.

The soon-to-be former Pittsburgh Steelers star is set to hit free agency this offseason after sitting out the 2018 campaign because of a contract dispute with the Steelers. 

Mehta added there is some concern within the Jets organization regarding whether Bell will remain motivated to perform at a high level after signing a big contract.

At least in part because of that, the Jets reportedly don't intend to take a "do-whatever-it-takes approach" to signing Bell.

While the Jets have around $100 million in salary-cap space, Bell reportedly turned down a five-year, $70 million offer with $33 million in guarantees from the Steelers last year. He also refused to play under the $14.5 million franchise tag.

Only Los Angeles Rams star Todd Gurley makes more per season among NFL running backs than Bell would have under the Steelers' reported offer.

Signing Bell would add a much-needed weapon to a Jets offense that is lacking in playmakers around promising, young quarterback Sam Darnold.

The 26-year-old Bell is a three-time Pro Bowler and two-time first-team All-Pro who led the NFL in touches with 406 in 2017. He registered 1,946 total yards and 11 touchdowns for the Steelers that year. Bell has topped 1,200 rushing yards in a season three times, and he has three seasons with at least 75 receptions and 600 receiving yards.

Perhaps no offensive player in the NFL is more versatile than Bell because of his combination of rushing and receiving ability.

The Jets ranked just 26th in the NFL in rushing this season, and the running back combination of Isaiah Crowell and Elijah McGuire doesn't instill much fear.

Few teams in the NFL need a go-to running back more than the Jets, but they could always get one through the draft or sign a cheaper option such as Mark Ingram or Latavius Murray if the price for Bell gets out of control.